Auld Kirk

Top choice in The Cairngorms


Here’s something a little out of the ordinary – a seven-bedroom hotel housed in a converted 19th-century church. The interior blends original features with sleek modern decor – the pulpit now serves as the reception desk, while the lounge is bathed in light from leaded Gothic windows. Breakfast not included, but guests can buy it at the hotel's coffee shop.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Cairngorms attractions

1. Balmoral Castle

6.89 MILES

Built for Queen Victoria in 1855 as a private residence for the Royal Family, Balmoral kicked off the revival of the Scottish Baronial style of…

2. Corgarff Castle

10.52 MILES

In the wild hills of the eastern Cairngorms, near the A939 road from Cockbridge to Tomintoul, is the impressive fortress of Corgarff Castle. The tower…

3. Braemar Castle

13.26 MILES

Just north of Braemar village, turreted Braemar Castle dates from 1628 and served as a government garrison after the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. It was taken…

4. Glenesk Retreat & Folk Museum

13.8 MILES

Ten miles up Glenesk from Edzell is a former shooting lodge that houses a fascinating collection of antiques and artefacts documenting everyday life in…

5. Kildrummy Castle

13.83 MILES

Nine miles west of Alford lie the extensive remains of this 13th-century castle, former seat of the Earl of Mar and once one of Scotland’s most impressive…

6. Dinnie Stones

14.94 MILES

Named after Donald Dinnie (1837–1916), a famous Aberdeenshire athlete and strongman, this pair of granite boulders weigh 733lb (335.5kg) in total. Dinnie…

7. Craigievar Castle

15.03 MILES

A superb example of the original Scottish Baronial style, Craigievar has managed to survive pretty much unchanged since its completion in the 17th century…

8. Grampian Transport Museum

18.12 MILES

This museum houses a fascinating collection of vintage vehicles, including a Triumph Bonne­ville in excellent nick, a couple of Model T Fords (including…